Providing results to parameterless search queries

ABSTRACT

In one implementation, a computer-implemented method includes receiving a parameterless search request, which was provided to a mobile computing device, for information that is relevant to a user of the mobile computing device. The method also includes, in response to the received parameterless search request, identifying with a digital computer system one or more results that are determined to be relevant to the user of the mobile computing device based upon a current context of the mobile computing device. The method further includes providing the results for display to a user of the mobile computing device.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document generally describes techniques, method, systems, andmechanisms for providing results to parameterless search queries on amobile computing device, such as a mobile telephone.

BACKGROUND

Mobile computing devices (e.g., mobile telephones, smart telephones,personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable media players, etc.) havebeen configured to provide results to a user in response to searchqueries with parameters. For example, a user can submit a search queryfor directions to a nearby pizzeria to a mobile computing device. Insuch an example, parameters of the search query include (a) the portionof the request identifying directions as the desired result, and (b) theindication that a nearby pizzeria is the topic of the query. Inresponse, the mobile computing device can (alone, or in combination witha remote server system) identify a nearby pizzeria and providedirections to the pizzeria to the user. Such mobile computing deviceshave been configured to receive a search query as text-based input(e.g., a query typed using keys), selection-based input (e.g.,touchscreen selection, etc.), and audio-based input (e.g., voice input).

SUMMARY

This document describes techniques, methods, and systems for providingresults to a parameterless search query on a mobile computing device(e.g., a cellular telephone, smart telephone, a PDA, a portable mediaplayer, etc.). A parameterless search query is a search query thatqueries a mobile computing device for information that is relevant to auser, but where the user does not provide any parameters to furtherspecify what is relevant to the user at a given time. Instead, aparameterless search query puts on the mobile computing device the onusof determining what the user is likely to deem relevant. To provide anindication of relevance to a user, a mobile computing device can examinea current context within which the mobile computing device and/or theuser of the mobile computing device exist at the time the parameterlesssearch query is received (which, as discussed here, can occur by thecomputing device acting on its own or in combination with a computerserver system).

For example, assume that a mobile computing device is moving with a useron a highway who is travelling at speed during rush hour on a workday(e.g., Monday-Friday). If the user submits a parameterless search queryto the mobile computing device, the device can examine its currentcontext (travelling on the highway during rush hour) and infer that theuser would like to receive traffic information for the stretch ofhighway ahead. The mobile computing device can infer parameters for thesearch query (e.g., traffic conditions and highway number), identifyresults for the search query (e.g., expect to encounter stop-and-gotraffic in two miles), and provide the results to the user (e.g.,activate a speaker on the mobile device and audibly transmit the trafficconditions to the user).

In one implementation, a computer-implemented method includes receivinga parameterless search request, which was provided to a mobile computingdevice, for information that is relevant to a user of the mobilecomputing device. The method also includes, in response to the receivedparameterless search request, identifying with a digital computer systemone or more results that are determined to be relevant to the user ofthe mobile computing device based upon a current context of the mobilecomputing device. The method further includes providing the results fordisplay to a user of the mobile computing device.

In another implementation, an electronic system for providing resultsthat are relevant to a user includes a mobile computing device and aninput subsystem of the mobile computing device that is configured toreceive a parameterless search request for information that is relevantto a user of the mobile computing device. The system can further includea result identification unit of the mobile computing device that isconfigured to, in response to a parameterless search request received bythe input subsystem, identify one or more results that are determined tobe relevant to the user of the mobile computing device based upon acurrent context of the mobile computing device. The system can alsoinclude an output subsystem of the mobile computing device that isconfigured to provide the results to the user of the mobile computingdevice.

In another implementation, an electronic system for providing resultsthat are relevant to a user includes a mobile computing device and aninput subsystem of the mobile computing device that is configured toreceive a parameterless search request for information that is relevantto a user of the mobile computing device. The system can also includemeans for identifying, in response to a parameterless search requestreceived by the input subsystem, one or more results that are determinedto be relevant to the user of the mobile computing device based upon acurrent context of the mobile computing device. The system can furtherinclude an output subsystem of the mobile computing device that isconfigured to provide the results to the user of the mobile computingdevice.

The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanyingdrawings and the description below. Various advantages can be realizedwith certain implementations, such as providing information that isrelevant to a user of a mobile computing device based upon minimal inputfrom the user. Given that it can be tedious and time consuming toprovide input to a mobile computing device (e.g., typing on a smallerkeyboard/screen), minimizing the time it takes for a user to receiverelevant information can save the user time. Additionally, users of amobile computing device may want to submit a search query to a mobilecomputing device while they are occupied with another task that makesproviding the input impractical or unsafe, such as driving a car. Insuch situations, a user can provide a simple input (e.g., press a buttonon the mobile device, shake the mobile device, etc.) that allows theuser to receive relevant information without requiring the user toexhibit impractical or unsafe behavior.

Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will beapparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of an example mobile computing device forproviding results to parameterless search queries.

FIGS. 2A-B are diagrams of an example system for providing results toparameterless search queries on a mobile computing device.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an example technique for providing results toparameterless search queries on a mobile computing device.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of a system that may be used to implementthe techniques, systems, mechanisms, and methods described in thisdocument.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of computing devices that may be used toimplement the systems and methods described in this document, as eithera client or as a server or plurality of servers.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This document describes techniques, method, systems, and mechanisms forproviding results to a parameterless search query on a mobile computingdevice (e.g., mobile telephone, smart telephone (e.g., IPHONE,BLACKBERRY), personal digital assistant (PDA), portable media player(e.g., IPOD), etc.). A parameterless search query is a search query thatdoes not contain any parameters for the search query (may also be termeda “zero input” query). Instead, a parameterless search query asks themobile computing device to infer what a user of the mobile computingdevice wants to know (infer the parameters for the search query) basedupon a current context for the mobile computing device (e.g., time ofday, geographic location, calendar appointments, etc.).

As the features provided by mobile computing devices have increased,users have become more reliant on mobile computing devices as a sourceof relevant information. For instance, mobile computing devices canprovide a user with access to the user's email, the user's electroniccalendar (e.g., meetings, appointments, reminders, etc.), up-to-datetraffic information, driving directions, location-based searching (e.g.,search for hotel near current location), etc.

However, depending on the user interface (UI) for a mobile computingdevice, it can often take several steps for a user to provide a searchquery with parameters to a mobile computing device to locate informationthat is relevant to the user. For example, if a user would like toquickly locate a nearby restaurant, the user may have to navigatethrough a variety of menus on the mobile computing device to reach alocation-based search interface (e.g., interface for a map application)and then may have to type out parameters for the query (e.g.,“restaurant,” “near current location”).

With parameterless search queries, a user can obtain the informationthey are interested in without having to provide a formulated searchquery. Instead, using a parameterless search query, a user can accessthe information he/she is interested in by merely providing input to themobile computing device that indicates a request for a parameterlesssearch query. Such input can be simple and easy for a user to perform,such as shaking the mobile computing device a set number of times (e.g.,shake one time, shake two times, etc.), pressing a button on the mobilecomputing device for a period of time (e.g., press and hold button fortwo seconds), providing a verbal command to the mobile computing device(e.g., commanding the device to “search now”), etc.

In response to receiving input indicating a request for a parameterlesssearch query, a mobile computing device can infer parameters for thesearch query based upon a current context for the mobile device. Acurrent context for a mobile computing device can include a variety ofinformation associated with the mobile computing device and/or a user ofthe mobile computing device, such as the time of day and date (e.g.,2:00 pm on May 29, 2010), upcoming and/or recent calendar appointments(e.g., meeting with John at 2:30 pm on May 29, 2010), a direction andrate of speed at which the device is travelling (e.g., northbound at 20miles per hour), a current geographic location (e.g., on the corner of10th Street and Marquette Avenue), recent device activity (e.g., emailssent to John regarding the 2:30 meeting), etc.

Using a current context, a mobile computing device can infer parametersfor a user's parameterless search query (infer what the user wants toknow), perform a search using the inferred parameters, and provideresults to the user. For example, if the current context for a mobilecomputing device includes the mobile device being geographically locatedon a highway and travelling at speed of 55 miles per hour, the mobiledevice may infer that the user would like to know current trafficconditions for the surrounding area. The mobile computing device canperform a search query for traffic conditions near the device'sgeographic location and provide the results to the user (e.g., display amap with roads that are color-coded according to traffic conditions,provide the user with a list of expected delay times for various roadsnearby, etc.).

In another example, if the current context for the mobile computingdevice includes the current time and date being 10:05 am on November 3,and a user of the mobile device having a conference call scheduled inhis/her electronic calendar scheduled for 10:00 am on November 3 (theuser is 5 minutes late for the conference call), the mobile computingdevice can infer that the user would like to access information for theconference call (e.g., the telephone number for the conference call).The mobile computing device can perform a search query for informationrelated to the conference call and provide the results to the user(e.g., display a telephone number for the conference call to the userand provide an option to automatically initiate a telephone call to thetelephone number).

As described in further detail below, a mobile computing device canperform a parameterless search query locally on the mobile computingdevice (e.g., search data stored locally on the mobile computing device)and/or in conjunction with a computer system that is remote to themobile computing device (e.g., provide search query over a network to aremote server system). For example, a mobile computing device candetermine its current context, infer parameters for a parameterlesssearch request, and identify and provide results as a standalone device(e.g., without interacting with other devices over a network). Resultsfor parameterless search queries can be provided to a user in variousmanners, such as visually on a display for the mobile device, audiblythrough a speaker system of the mobile computing device, etc.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram 100 of an example mobile computing device102 for providing results to parameterless search queries. The examplediagram 100 provides an illustrative example of the mobile computingdevice 102 receiving input that indicates a request for a parameterlesssearch query, inferring parameters for the search query based upon acurrent context for the device, and providing results for the searchquery to a user.

In the example diagram 100, a user is depicted as holding the mobilecomputing device 102 in his/her hand and shaking 104 the mobilecomputing device 102. In this example, the mobile computing device 102is configured to recognize the shaking 104 as input that indicates arequest for a parameterless search query. The mobile computing device102 can be configured to recognize additional (or other) userinteractions with mobile computing device 102 as input that indicates arequest for a parameterless search query.

Using one or more sensors that are configured to measure movement (e.g.,accelerometers, gyroscopes, etc.), the mobile computing device 102receives input 106 from the one or more sensors that indicates that theuser shook the device 102.

As indicated above, in this example the mobile computing device 102 isconfigured to recognize the input 106 as a request to perform aparameterless search query. In response to the input 106 indicating theuser shook 104 the mobile device 102, and without additional inputfurther providing parameters for the search query (further indicatingwhat the user would like to know), the mobile computing device 102begins performing a parameterless search query by determining a currentcontext for the mobile device and/or for the user of the mobile device(108).

The current context includes information that describes the presentstate and/or surroundings of the mobile computing device 102 and/or theuser of the mobile computing device at the time the input 106 isreceived. For instance, the current context can include a variety ofinformation related to the mobile computing device 102 and the user,such as information regarding the surrounding physical environment(e.g., geographic location, weather conditions, nearby businesses,volume of ambient noise, level of ambient light, image captured by themobile device's camera, etc.), the present state of the mobile computingdevice 102 (e.g., rate of speed, touchscreen input activated, audioinput activated, ringer on/off, etc.), time and date information (e.g.,time of day, date, calendar appointments, day of the week, etc.), useractivity (e.g., recent user activity, habitual user activity), etc. Thecurrent context can be determined by the mobile computing device 102using data and sensors that are local and/or remote to the mobilecomputing device 102.

As indicated by the example context 110 for the mobile device, thecurrent context for the mobile computing device includes time/dateinformation 112 a, geographic location information 112 b, calendarinformation 112 c, rate of speed information 112 d, and device activityinformation 112 e. In the depicted example, the time/date information112 a lists the time as 8:00 am on a Monday and the geographicinformation 112 b provides that the mobile computing device 102 iscurrently located at the user's home. The calendar information 112 cprovides that the user has no appointments scheduled for the day and therate of speed information 112 d indicates that the mobile computingdevice 102 is currently stationary (travelling at 0 miles per hour). Thedevice activity information 112 e indicates that the device habituallytravels on a highway at a high rate of speed to the user's work at 8:05am on Mondays.

Based upon this example context 110, the mobile computing device 102 canidentify information that is likely to be relevant to the user (114).Given that the device 102 is located at the user's home, the currenttime is 8:00 am on a Monday, the device is currently stationary, and thedevice typically travels along a highway to the user's work at 8:05 amon Mondays, the mobile computing device 102 can determine that the useris likely to drive from the user's home to the user's work in the nearfuture. Based upon this determination, the mobile computing can inferparameters for the parameterless search query related to driving to theuser's work. Since the user has travelled from his/her home to work inthe past, as indicated by the device activity information 112 e, themobile computing device 102 can determine that it is unlikely that theuser would like to receive driving directions from the user's home towork. Instead, the mobile computing device 102 can infer that the useris likely interested in knowing the current traffic conditions for theuser's morning commute to work and can select parameters accordingly(e.g., select parameters “traffic” and “from current location to worklocation”).

Were the context 110 to be changed slightly, the mobile computing device102 may infer the user is interested in different information. Forexample, were the user to have a meeting scheduled for 8:30 am out ofthe office, the mobile computing device 102 may infer that the userwould like driving directions to the meeting location and/or informationregarding the meeting (e.g., time, subject, participants, etc.). Inanother example, were the user to have viewed a developing news storyusing an application (e.g., web browser, news application) on the mobilecomputing device 102 at 7:30 am, the mobile computing device 102 mayinfer that the user would like to know if there have been any recentupdates to the news story.

The mobile computing device 102 may infer the user is interested in morethan one piece of information and may generate parameters for more thanone search query. For instance, the mobile computing device 102 mayinfer that the user wants to know about traffic conditions for theuser's work commute and know about updates to the developing news storythe user viewed earlier in the morning. The mobile computing device 102can generate parameters and provide information to the user related toboth items identified as being of potential interest to the user.

Having inferred what the user would like to know and selected parametersbased upon the current context 110, the mobile computing device 102 canidentify information that is likely to be relevant to the user with theselected parameters. The mobile computing device 102 can use varioussearch-related services that are provided locally and/or remotely toobtain the sought-after information. For example, the mobile computingdevice 102 may query a real-time traffic server system provided by adepartment of transportation for traffic information. In anotherexample, the mobile computing device 102 may query an applicationinstalled on the mobile computing device 102 that is configured toobtain traffic information over traffic message channel (TMC) radiofrequency. In a further example, the mobile computing device 102 cansearch traffic information cached locally on the mobile computing device102. The mobile computing device 102 is capable of determining itscurrent context and serving parameterless search requests by itself(e.g., without interacting with other computing devices and/or servicesover a network).

Having obtained the traffic information for the user's route to work,the mobile computing device can provide the identified information tothe user (116). For example, the mobile computing device can present amessage 118 that indicates the current traffic conditions and, if theyare unfavorable, suggest that the user take an alternate route. Theidentified information can be provided by the mobile computing device102 to the user in a variety of manners. For example, in addition toproviding the user with a visual message, the mobile computing device102 may audibly transmit the message to the user with a speaker systemthat is attached to and/or part-of the mobile computing device 102.

FIGS. 2A-B are diagrams of an example system 200 for providing resultsto parameterless search queries on an example mobile computing device202. The mobile computing device 202 can be configured to provideresults to a parameterless search query based upon a current contextassociated with the mobile computing device 202 and/or a user of themobile computing device, similar to the mobile computing device 102described above with regard to FIG. 1.

The mobile computing device 202 is depicted as including an inputsubsystem 204 through which a user of the mobile computing device 202can provide input that indicates a request for a parameterless searchquery. Referring to FIG. 2B, the input subsystem 204 is depicted asincluding a microphone 206 a (configured to receive audio-based input),a keyboard 206 b (configured to receive key-based input), a touchscreen206 c (configured to receive screen touch-based input), an accelerometer206 d (configured to receive motion-based input), a trackball 206 e(configured to receive GUI pointer-based input), a camera 206 f(configured to receive visual input), and a light sensor 206 g(configured to receive input based on light intensity). The inputsubsystem 204 also includes a network interface 208 (e.g., wirelessnetwork interface, universal serial bus (USB) interface, BLUETOOTHinterface, public switched telephone network (PSTN) interface, Ethernetinterface, cellular network interface, 3G and/or 4G network interface,etc.) that is configured to receive network-based input and output.Other types of input devices not mentioned may also be part of the inputsubsystem 204.

An input parser 210 of the mobile computing device 202 can be configuredto receive input from the input subsystem 204 (e.g., input events) anddetermine whether the received input indicates a request for aparameterless search query. The input parser 210 can use input rules 212to determine whether a particular input indicates a request for aparameterless search query. For instance, the input rules 212 canstipulate that shaking the mobile computing device 202 once indicates an“undo” command (e.g., undo recent typing) and that shaking the device202 twice indicates a request for a parameterless search query. Theinput rules 212 can be preconfigured and/or user defined.

In response to the input parser 210 identifying input that indicates arequest for a parameterless search query, a mobile device contextdetermination unit 214 can determine a current context for the mobilecomputing device 202. The mobile device context determination unit 214can determine a current context for the mobile device 202 using avariety of context monitoring units of the mobile computing device 202.

For instance, a global positioning system (GPS) unit 216 can providegeographic location information to the mobile device contextdetermination unit 214 and a travel monitor unit 218 (in conjunctionwith a travel data repository 220) can provide information related to aroute currently being travelled and habitual routes travelled by themobile computing device 202. An activity monitor unit 222 (inconjunction with an activity data repository 224) can provideinformation related to recent and habitual user activity (e.g.,applications used, specific information accessed at various times, etc.)on the mobile device 202. A location monitor unit 226 can provideinformation regarding entities (e.g., businesses, parks, festivals,public transportation, etc.) geographically located near the currentgeographic location for the mobile device 202. A time and date unit 228can provide current time and date information and a calendar unit 230(in conjunction with a calendar data repository 232) can provideinformation related to appointments for the user. An email unit 234 (inconjunction with an email data repository 236) can provide email-relatedinformation (e.g., recent emails sent/received). The mobile contextdetermination unit 214 can receive information from other contextmonitoring units not mentioned or depicted.

In some implementations, the context monitoring units 216-236 can beimplemented in-part, or in-whole, remote from the mobile computingdevice 202. For example, the email unit 234 may be a thin-client thatmerely displays email-related data that is maintained and provided by aremote server system. In such an example, the email unit 234 caninteract with the remote server system to obtain email-relatedinformation to provide to the mobile device context determination unit214.

A category identification unit 238 can use the current context for themobile device 202, as determined by the mobile device contextdetermination unit 214, to identify one or more categories ofinformation that the user in which the user is likely to be interested.For example, categories of information identified by the categoryidentification unit 238 may include environmental information (e.g.,weather information), travel information (e.g., traffic information,driving directions, transportation schedule information, mapinformation), geographic proximity information (e.g., nearby businessinformation), recently updated information (e.g., real-time newsupdates, blog updates, email/texting conversation updates), and personalinformation (e.g., calendar appointments for a user, contact informationfor a user's acquaintances). Other categories of information notmentioned may be used and identified by the category identification unit238 in response to a parameterless search query request.

The category identification unit 238 can identify one or more categoriesof information for the parameterless search query using a category datarepository 240, which can define categories of information and providevarious contextual factors that may indicate categories of informationin which a user is interested (e.g., category-based rules, categoryscoring techniques, etc.). The category data repository 240 can includepredefined data and/or user defined data. The data stored in thecategory data repository 240 can be subject to change over time as well(e.g., the mobile computing device 202 can “learn” a user's interests invarious contexts and adjust the data stored in the category datarepository 240 over time).

The category identification unit 238 can additionally use data stored ina user behavior data repository 242 to determine one or more categoriesof information in which a user is likely to be interested. The userbehavior data repository 242 can log previous requests for aparameterless search query, a context for the mobile device 202 at thetime of the requests, categories of information identified as likely tobe relevant to the user, and the user's behavior (e.g., user appeared touse the information, user performed follow-up manual search query withdefined parameters, etc.) with respect to information provided by themobile device 202. The user behavior data stored in the user behaviordata repository 242 can indicate whether a user found the identifiedcategory of information to be relevant given the mobile device's 202current context.

For example, if the user is provided with a list of nearby restaurants(e.g., category regarding entities located geographically near thedevice's current geographic location) in response to a parameterlesssearch query request and the mobile device 202 travels to one of therestaurants, then the associated user behavior data can indicate thatthe user found the identified category to be relevant given the device'scontext. In another example, if the user is provided with the list ofnearby restaurants and the user immediately opens a calendar applicationto locate information for an upcoming meeting, then the associated userbehavior can indicate that the user found the identified category to notbe relevant (e.g., the user wanted calendar information instead ofrestaurant information).

The category identification unit 238 can use user behavior data from theuser behavior data repository 242 to identify a category of informationthat is likely to be relevant to the user. For example, the categoryidentification unit 238 can attempt to identify previous contexts thatare similar to a current context for the mobile device 202 to receive anindication regarding a category of information that is likely to berelevant to the user.

Using a category of information identified by the categoryidentification unit 238, a result identification unit 244 can identifyone or more results to a parameterless search query by inferringparameters for the parameterless search query and perform the searchquery. For example, if the category identification unit 238 identified acategory of travel information, the result identification unit 244 candetermine specific parameters related to travel that are likely to berelevant to the user. For instance, the result identification unit 244may determine that the user is likely to be interested in trafficcondition for the user's commute to work. Like the categoryidentification unit 238, the result identification unit 244 can use userbehavior data from the user behavior data repository 242 to assist indetermining specific parameters that are likely to be relevant to theuser.

As described above with regard to FIG. 1, the search query can beperformed local and/or remote to the mobile computing device 202. Forinstance, in implementations where a calendar application is implementedlocally on the mobile computing device 202, the search query can beperformed locally on the mobile computing device 202 (e.g., querying thecalendar unit 230 for relevant calendar information stored in thecalendar data repository 232). Additionally, the mobile computing device202 can determine its current context and provide results to aparameterless search query as a standalone device (e.g., withoutinteracting with a remote server system over a network). In anotherexample, in implementations where a calendar data for a calendarapplication is provided on a remote server system, the mobile computingdevice 202 can interact with the remote server system to access therelevant calendar information.

Parameters for more than one search query can be generated by the resultidentification unit 244 in response to receiving a request for aparameterless search query. In such implementations, the resultidentification unit 244 can receive results for each of the searchqueries. For instance, the result identification unit 244 may identifythat a user is likely to be interested in current traffic informationand a recent update to a blog that the user frequently reads. The resultidentification unit 244 can submit search queries for both pieces ofinformation and provide results for both search queries to a user of themobile computing device 202. It may be possible to submit a singlesearch query for two or more distinct pieces of information. However,when the two or more distinct pieces of information are maintained bydifferent data sources, it may be more practical to generate separatesearch queries, as described above.

An output subsystem 246 of the mobile computing device 202 can provideresults obtained by the result identification unit 244 to a user of thedevice 202. The output subsystem 246 can include a variety of outputdevices, such as a display 248 a (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD),a touchscreen), a projector 248 a (e.g., an image projector capable ofprojecting an image external to the device 202), a speaker 248 c, aheadphone jack 248 d, etc. The network interface 208 can also be part ofthe output subsystem 246 and may be configured to provide the resultsobtained by the result identification unit 244 (e.g., transmit resultsto BLUETOOTH headset).

Referring to FIG. 2A, the mobile computing device 202 can wirelesslycommunicate with wireless transmitter 250 (e.g., a cellular networktransceiver, a wireless network router, etc.) and obtain access to anetwork 252 (e.g., the Internet, PSTN, a cellular network, a local areanetwork (LAN), a virtual private network (VPN), etc.). Through thenetwork 252, the mobile computing device 202 can be in communicationwith a mobile device server system 254 (one or more networked servercomputers), which can be configured to provide mobile device relatedservices and data to the mobile device 202 (e.g., provide calendar data,email data, connect telephone calls to other telephones, etc.).

The mobile device 202 can also be in communication with one or moreinformation server systems 256 over the network 252. Information serversystems 256 can be server systems that provide information that may berelevant to a user's parameterless search query. For instance, ainformation server systems 256 can provide current traffic conditions, aweather forecast, and information regarding businesses located near thecurrent geographic location for the mobile device 202.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an example technique 300 for providing resultsto parameterless search queries on a mobile computing device. Theexample technique 300 can be performed by any of a variety of mobilecomputing devices, such as the mobile computing device 102 describedabove with regard to FIG. 1 and/or the mobile computing device 202described above with regard to FIGS. 2A-B.

The technique 300 starts at step 302 by receiving a parameterless searchrequest. For example, the mobile computing device 102 is described abovewith regard to FIG. 1 as receiving input 106 that indicates a requestfor a parameterless search query. As described with regard to the inputparser 210 with regard to FIG. 2B, a variety of inputs (e.g., touch,action, voice, etc.) can be configured to indicate a request for aparameterless search query.

In response to receiving a parameterless search request, a currentcontext for the mobile device can be determined (step 304). For example,a mobile device context determination unit 214 can determine a currentcontext for the mobile device 202 using the context monitoring units216-236.

In some implementations, first data that indicates whether previouslyidentified result categories were relevant to a user are retrieved (step306). For example, the category identification unit 238 described abovewith regard to FIG. 2B can retrieve user behavior data from the userbehavior data repository 242 to determine which previously identifiedcategories of information were relevant to the user. Portion of thefirst data can be selected based upon previous contexts determined to besimilar to the current context for the mobile device (step 308). Forexample, user behavior data associated with contexts that are similar tothe current context can be retrieved from the user behavior datarepository 242.

Result categories can be identified based upon the current context forthe mobile device (step 310). For example, given the context 110determined with regard to the example depicted in FIG. 1, a travelcategory of identified as being likely to be relevant to the user of themobile device 102 (e.g., the device is located at home on Monday at 8:00am and the device habitually travels from home to work on Mondaymornings at 8:05 am).

In some implementations, second data that indicates whether previouslyidentified results were relevant to the user can be retrieved (step312). For example, a result identification unit 244 can access userbehavior data from the user behavior data repository 242 to determinewhich previously provided results the user of the mobile device 202found to be relevant given the current context of the device. Portionsof the second data can be selected based on previous contexts determinedto be similar to the current context (step 314). For instance, theresult identification unit 244 can select the user behavior data that isassociated with previous contexts that are similar to the currentcontext for the mobile computing device 202.

Results can be identified for the parameterless search request basedupon the current context (step 316). For example, the resultidentification unit 244 can infer parameters for the parameterlesssearch request based upon the current context of the mobile device 202and use the inferred parameters to identify results that are likely tobe relevant to the user of the mobile device. Results can be identifiedlocally and/or remotely from the mobile device. For instance, if themobile device 202 infers that a parameterless search request refers to auser's upcoming schedule, the mobile computing device 202 can access thecalendar unit 230 locally to obtain the schedule information. The mobiledevice 202 is capable of determining its current context and providingresults to a parameterless search request as a standalone device (e.g.,without being connected to other devices over a network).

In some implementations, a subsystem can be selected for providing theresults (step 318). For example, one or more of the output devices 248a-d of the output subsystem 246 for the mobile computing device 202 canbe selected to provide the identified results to the user. The subsystemcan be selected based upon a variety for factors, such as the manner inwhich the input indicating a request for a parameterless search wasreceived (e.g., verbal input, shaking the device, etc.) and the currentcontext for the mobile device. For instance, if the request forparameterless search is received as a verbal request, then the selectedsubsystem can be an audio output (e.g., the speaker 248 c). In anotherexample, if the current context indicates that the user may be in alocation where audio output is undesired (e.g., user is in a library),then the selected subsystem can provide a visual output (e.g., thedisplay 248 a).

The results are provided to the user (step 320). A response from theuser with regard to the provided results can be recorded by a mobilecomputing device as user behavior data and used to improve the resultsprovided in response to future parameterless search requests. Forexample, if the user is provided with a recent update to a blog that theuser frequently reads and the user sends a link to the updated blogposting to his/her friends, the user sending the link can be recorded asuser behavior data in the user behavior data repository 242 of themobile computing device 202 and used to provide results to futureparameterless search requests.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of a system that may be used to implementthe techniques, systems, mechanisms, and methods described in thisdocument. Mobile computing device 410 can wirelessly communicate withbase station 440, which can provide the mobile computing device wirelessaccess to numerous services 460 through a network 450.

In this illustration, the mobile computing device 410 is depicted as ahandheld mobile telephone (e.g., a smartphone or an applicationtelephone) that includes a touchscreen display device 412 for presentingcontent to a user of the mobile computing device 410. The mobilecomputing device 410 includes various input devices (e.g., keyboard 414and touchscreen display device 412) for receiving user-input thatinfluences the operation of the mobile computing device 410. In furtherimplementations, the mobile computing device 410 may be a laptopcomputer, a tablet computer, a personal digital assistant, an embeddedsystem (e.g., a car navigation system), a desktop computer, or acomputerized workstation.

The mobile computing device 410 may include various visual, auditory,and tactile user-output mechanisms. An example visual output mechanismis display device 412, which can visually display video, graphics,images, and text that combine to provide a visible user interface. Forexample, the display device 412 may be a 3.7 inch AMOLED screen. Othervisual output mechanisms may include LED status lights (e.g., a lightthat blinks when a voicemail has been received).

An example tactile output mechanism is a small electric motor that isconnected to an unbalanced weight to provide a vibrating alert (e.g., tovibrate in order to alert a user of an incoming telephone call orconfirm user contact with the touchscreen 412). Further, the mobilecomputing device 410 may include one or more speakers 420 that convertan electrical signal into sound, for example, music, an audible alert,or voice of an individual in a telephone call.

An example mechanism for receiving user-input includes keyboard 414,which may be a full qwerty keyboard or a traditional keypad thatincludes keys for the digits ‘0-4’, ‘*’, and ‘#.’ The keyboard 414receives input when a user physically contacts or depresses a keyboardkey. User manipulation of a trackball 416 or interaction with a trackpadenables the user to supply directional and rate of rotation informationto the mobile computing device 410 (e.g., to manipulate a position of acursor on the display device 412).

The mobile computing device 410 may be able to determine a position ofphysical contact with the touchscreen display device 412 (e.g., aposition of contact by a finger or a stylus). Using the touchscreen 412,various “virtual” input mechanisms may be produced, where a userinteracts with a graphical user interface element depicted on thetouchscreen 412 by contacting the graphical user interface element. Anexample of a “virtual” input mechanism is a “software keyboard,” where akeyboard is displayed on the touchscreen and a user selects keys bypressing a region of the touchscreen 412 that corresponds to each key.

The mobile computing device 410 may include mechanical or touchsensitive buttons 418 a-d. Additionally, the mobile computing device mayinclude buttons for adjusting volume output by the one or more speakers420, and a button for turning the mobile computing device on or off. Amicrophone 422 allows the mobile computing device 410 to convert audiblesounds into an electrical signal that may be digitally encoded andstored in computer-readable memory, or transmitted to another computingdevice. The mobile computing device 410 may also include a digitalcompass, an accelerometer, proximity sensors, and ambient light sensors.

An operating system may provide an interface between the mobilecomputing device's hardware (e.g., the input/output mechanisms and aprocessor executing instructions retrieved from computer-readablemedium) and software. Example operating systems include the ANDROIDmobile computing device platform; APPLE IPHONE/MAC OS X operatingsystems; MICROSOFT WINDOWS 7/WINDOWS MOBILE operating systems; SYMBIANoperating system; RIM BLACKBERRY operating system; PALM WEB operatingsystem; a variety of UNIX-flavored operating systems; or a proprietaryoperating system for computerized devices. The operating system mayprovide a platform for the execution of application programs thatfacilitate interaction between the computing device and a user.

The mobile computing device 410 may present a graphical user interfacewith the touchscreen 412. A graphical user interface is a collection ofone or more graphical interface elements and may be static (e.g., thedisplay appears to remain the same over a period of time), or may bedynamic (e.g., the graphical user interface includes graphical interfaceelements that animate without user input).

A graphical interface element may be text, lines, shapes, images, orcombinations thereof. For example, a graphical interface element may bean icon that is displayed on the desktop and the icon's associated text.In some examples, a graphical interface element is selectable withuser-input. For example, a user may select a graphical interface elementby pressing a region of the touchscreen that corresponds to a display ofthe graphical interface element. In some examples, the user maymanipulate a trackball to highlight a single graphical interface elementas having focus. User-selection of a graphical interface element mayinvoke a pre-defined action by the mobile computing device. In someexamples, selectable graphical interface elements further oralternatively correspond to a button on the keyboard 404. User-selectionof the button may invoke the pre-defined action.

In some examples, the operating system provides a “desktop” userinterface that is displayed upon turning on the mobile computing device410, activating the mobile computing device 410 from a sleep state, upon“unlocking” the mobile computing device 410, or upon receivinguser-selection of the “home” button 418 c. The desktop graphicalinterface may display several icons that, when selected with user-input,invoke corresponding application programs. An invoked applicationprogram may present a graphical interface that replaces the desktopgraphical interface until the application program terminates or ishidden from view.

User-input may manipulate a sequence of mobile computing device 410operations. For example, a single-action user input (e.g., a single tapof the touchscreen, swipe across the touchscreen, contact with a button,or combination of these at a same time) may invoke an operation thatchanges a display of the user interface. Without the user-input, theuser interface may not have changed at a particular time. For example, amulti-touch user input with the touchscreen 412 may invoke a mappingapplication to “zoom-in” on a location, even though the mappingapplication may have by default zoomed-in after several seconds.

The desktop graphical interface can also display “widgets.” A widget isone or more graphical interface elements that are associated with anapplication program that has been executed, and that display on thedesktop content controlled by the executing application program. Unlikean application program, which may not be invoked until a user selects acorresponding icon, a widget's application program may start with themobile telephone. Further, a widget may not take focus of the fulldisplay. Instead, a widget may only “own” a small portion of thedesktop, displaying content and receiving touchscreen user-input withinthe portion of the desktop.

The mobile computing device 410 may include one or morelocation-identification mechanisms. A location-identification mechanismmay include a collection of hardware and software that provides theoperating system and application programs an estimate of the mobiletelephone's geographical position. A location-identification mechanismmay employ satellite-based positioning techniques, base stationtransmitting antenna identification, multiple base stationtriangulation, internet access point IP location determinations,inferential identification of a user's position based on search enginequeries, and user-supplied identification of location (e.g., by“checking in” to a location).

The mobile computing device 410 may include other application modulesand hardware. A call handling unit may receive an indication of anincoming telephone call and provide a user capabilities to answer theincoming telephone call. A media player may allow a user to listen tomusic or play movies that are stored in local memory of the mobilecomputing device 410. The mobile telephone 410 may include a digitalcamera sensor, and corresponding image and video capture and editingsoftware. An internet browser may enable the user to view content from aweb page by typing in an addresses corresponding to the web page orselecting a link to the web page.

The mobile computing device 410 may include an antenna to wirelesslycommunicate information with the base station 440. The base station 440may be one of many base stations in a collection of base stations (e.g.,a mobile telephone cellular network) that enables the mobile computingdevice 410 to maintain communication with a network 450 as the mobilecomputing device is geographically moved. The computing device 410 mayalternatively or additionally communicate with the network 450 through aWi-Fi router or a wired connection (e.g., Ethernet, USB, or FIREWIRE).The computing device 410 may also wirelessly communicate with othercomputing devices using BLUETOOTH protocols, or may employ an ad-hocwireless network.

A service provider that operates the network of base stations mayconnect the mobile computing device 410 to the network 450 to enablecommunication between the mobile computing device 410 and othercomputerized devices that provide services 460. Although the services460 may be provided over different networks (e.g., the serviceprovider's internal network, the Public Switched Telephone Network, andthe Internet), network 450 is illustrated as a single network. Theservice provider may operate a server system 452 that routes informationpackets and voice data between the mobile computing device 410 andcomputing devices associated with the services 460.

The network 450 may connect the mobile computing device 410 to thePublic Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) 462 in order to establish voiceor fax communication between the mobile computing device 410 and anothercomputing device. For example, the service provider server system 452may receive an indication from the PSTN 462 of an incoming call for themobile computing device 410. Conversely, the mobile computing device 410may send a communication to the service provider server system 452initiating a telephone call with a telephone number that is associatedwith a device accessible through the PSTN 462.

The network 450 may connect the mobile computing device 410 with a Voiceover Internet Protocol (VoIP) service 464 that routes voicecommunications over an IP network, as opposed to the PSTN. For example,a user of the mobile computing device 410 may invoke a VoIP applicationand initiate a call using the program. The service provider serversystem 452 may forward voice data from the call to a VoIP service, whichmay route the call over the internet to a corresponding computingdevice, potentially using the PSTN for a final leg of the connection.

An application store 466 may provide a user of the mobile computingdevice 410 the ability to browse a list of remotely stored applicationprograms that the user may download over the network 450 and install onthe mobile computing device 410. The application store 466 may serve asa repository of applications developed by third-party applicationdevelopers. An application program that is installed on the mobilecomputing device 410 may be able to communicate over the network 450with server systems that are designated for the application program. Forexample, a VoIP application program may be downloaded from theApplication Store 466, enabling the user to communicate with the VoIPservice 464.

The mobile computing device 410 may access content on the internet 468through network 450. For example, a user of the mobile computing device410 may invoke a web browser application that requests data from remotecomputing devices that are accessible at designated universal resourcelocations. In various examples, some of the services 460 are accessibleover the internet.

The mobile computing device may communicate with a personal computer470. For example, the personal computer 470 may be the home computer fora user of the mobile computing device 410. Thus, the user may be able tostream media from his personal computer 470. The user may also view thefile structure of his personal computer 470, and transmit selecteddocuments between the computerized devices.

A voice recognition service 472 may receive voice communication datarecorded with the mobile computing device's microphone 422, andtranslate the voice communication into corresponding textual data. Insome examples, the translated text is provided to a search engine as aweb query, and responsive search engine search results are transmittedto the mobile computing device 410.

The mobile computing device 410 may communicate with a social network474. The social network may include numerous members, some of which haveagreed to be related as acquaintances. Application programs on themobile computing device 410 may access the social network 474 toretrieve information based on the acquaintances of the user of themobile computing device. For example, an “address book” applicationprogram may retrieve telephone numbers for the user's acquaintances. Invarious examples, content may be delivered to the mobile computingdevice 410 based on social network distances from the user to othermembers. For example, advertisement and news article content may beselected for the user based on a level of interaction with such contentby members that are “close” to the user (e.g., members that are“friends” or “friends of friends”).

The mobile computing device 410 may access a personal set of contacts476 through network 450. Each contact may identify an individual andinclude information about that individual (e.g., a phone number, anemail address, and a birthday). Because the set of contacts is hostedremotely to the mobile computing device 410, the user may access andmaintain the contacts 476 across several devices as a common set ofcontacts.

The mobile computing device 410 may access cloud-based applicationprograms 478. Cloud-computing provides application programs (e.g., aword processor or an email program) that are hosted remotely from themobile computing device 410, and may be accessed by the device 410 usinga web browser or a dedicated program. Example cloud-based applicationprograms include GOOGLE DOCS word processor and spreadsheet service,GOOGLE GMAIL webmail service, and PICASA picture manager.

Mapping service 480 can provide the mobile computing device 410 withstreet maps, route planning information, and satellite images. Anexample mapping service is GOOGLE MAPS. The mapping service 480 may alsoreceive queries and return location-specific results. For example, themobile computing device 410 may send an estimated location of the mobilecomputing device and a user-entered query for “pizza places” to themapping service 480. The mapping service 480 may return a street mapwith “markers” superimposed on the map that identify geographicallocations of nearby “pizza places.”

Turn-by-turn service 482 may provide the mobile computing device 410with turn-by-turn directions to a user-supplied destination. Forexample, the turn-by-turn service 482 may stream to device 410 astreet-level view of an estimated location of the device, along withdata for providing audio commands and superimposing arrows that direct auser of the device 410 to the destination.

Various forms of streaming media 484 may be requested by the mobilecomputing device 410. For example, computing device 410 may request astream for a pre-recorded video file, a live television program, or alive radio program. Example services that provide streaming mediainclude YOUTUBE and PANDORA.

A micro-blogging service 486 may receive from the mobile computingdevice 410 a user-input post that does not identify recipients of thepost. The micro-blogging service 486 may disseminate the post to othermembers of the micro-blogging service 486 that agreed to subscribe tothe user.

A search engine 488 may receive user-entered textual or verbal queriesfrom the mobile computing device 410, determine a set ofinternet-accessible documents that are responsive to the query, andprovide to the device 410 information to display a list of searchresults for the responsive documents. In examples where a verbal queryis received, the voice recognition service 472 may translate thereceived audio into a textual query that is sent to the search engine.

These and other services may be implemented in a server system 490. Aserver system may be a combination of hardware and software thatprovides a service or a set of services. For example, a set ofphysically separate and networked computerized devices may operatetogether as a logical server system unit to handle the operationsnecessary to offer a service to hundreds of individual computingdevices.

In various implementations, operations that are performed “in response”to another operation (e.g., a determination or an identification) arenot performed if the prior operation is unsuccessful (e.g., if thedetermination was not performed). Features in this document that aredescribed with conditional language may describe implementations thatare optional. In some examples, “transmitting” from a first device to asecond device includes the first device placing data into a network, butmay not include the second device receiving the data. Conversely,“receiving” from a first device may include receiving the data from anetwork, but may not include the first device transmitting the data.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of computing devices 500, 550 that may be usedto implement the systems and methods described in this document, aseither a client or as a server or plurality of servers. Computing device500 is intended to represent various forms of digital computers, such aslaptops, desktops, workstations, personal digital assistants, servers,blade servers, mainframes, and other appropriate computers. Computingdevice 550 is intended to represent various forms of mobile devices,such as personal digital assistants, cellular telephones, smartphones,and other similar computing devices. Additionally computing device 500or 550 can include Universal Serial Bus (USB) flash drives. The USBflash drives may store operating systems and other applications. The USBflash drives can include input/output components, such as a wirelesstransmitter or USB connector that may be inserted into a USB port ofanother computing device. The components shown here, their connectionsand relationships, and their functions, are meant to be exemplary only,and are not meant to limit implementations described and/or claimed inthis document.

Computing device 500 includes a processor 502, memory 504, a storagedevice 506, a high-speed interface 508 connecting to memory 504 andhigh-speed expansion ports 510, and a low speed interface 512 connectingto low speed bus 514 and storage device 506. Each of the components 502,504, 506, 508, 510, and 512, are interconnected using various busses,and may be mounted on a common motherboard or in other manners asappropriate. The processor 502 can process instructions for executionwithin the computing device 500, including instructions stored in thememory 504 or on the storage device 506 to display graphical informationfor a GUI on an external input/output device, such as display 516coupled to high speed interface 508. In other implementations, multipleprocessors and/or multiple buses may be used, as appropriate, along withmultiple memories and types of memory. Also, multiple computing devices500 may be connected, with each device providing portions of thenecessary operations (e.g., as a server bank, a group of blade servers,or a multi-processor system).

The memory 504 stores information within the computing device 500. Inone implementation, the memory 504 is a volatile memory unit or units.In another implementation, the memory 504 is a non-volatile memory unitor units. The memory 504 may also be another form of computer-readablemedium, such as a magnetic or optical disk.

The storage device 506 is capable of providing mass storage for thecomputing device 500. In one implementation, the storage device 506 maybe or contain a computer-readable medium, such as a floppy disk device,a hard disk device, an optical disk device, or a tape device, a flashmemory or other similar solid state memory device, or an array ofdevices, including devices in a storage area network or otherconfigurations. A computer program product can be tangibly embodied inan information carrier. The computer program product may also containinstructions that, when executed, perform one or more methods, such asthose described above. The information carrier is a computer- ormachine-readable medium, such as the memory 504, the storage device 506,or memory on processor 502.

The high speed controller 508 manages bandwidth-intensive operations forthe computing device 500, while the low speed controller 512 manageslower bandwidth-intensive operations. Such allocation of functions isexemplary only. In one implementation, the high-speed controller 508 iscoupled to memory 504, display 516 (e.g., through a graphics processoror accelerator), and to high-speed expansion ports 510, which may acceptvarious expansion cards (not shown). In the implementation, low-speedcontroller 512 is coupled to storage device 506 and low-speed expansionport 514. The low-speed expansion port, which may include variouscommunication ports (e.g., USB, Bluetooth, Ethernet, wireless Ethernet)may be coupled to one or more input/output devices, such as a keyboard,a pointing device, a scanner, or a networking device such as a switch orrouter, e.g., through a network adapter.

The computing device 500 may be implemented in a number of differentforms, as shown in the figure. For example, it may be implemented as astandard server 520, or multiple times in a group of such servers. Itmay also be implemented as part of a rack server system 524. Inaddition, it may be implemented in a personal computer such as a laptopcomputer 522. Alternatively, components from computing device 500 may becombined with other components in a mobile device (not shown), such asdevice 550. Each of such devices may contain one or more of computingdevice 500, 550, and an entire system may be made up of multiplecomputing devices 500, 550 communicating with each other.

Computing device 550 includes a processor 552, memory 564, aninput/output device such as a display 554, a communication interface566, and a transceiver 568, among other components. The device 550 mayalso be provided with a storage device, such as a microdrive or otherdevice, to provide additional storage. Each of the components 550, 552,564, 554, 566, and 568, are interconnected using various buses, andseveral of the components may be mounted on a common motherboard or inother manners as appropriate.

The processor 552 can execute instructions within the computing device550, including instructions stored in the memory 564. The processor maybe implemented as a chipset of chips that include separate and multipleanalog and digital processors. Additionally, the processor may beimplemented using any of a number of architectures. For example, theprocessor 410 may be a CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computers)processor, a RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) processor, or aMISC (Minimal Instruction Set Computer) processor. The processor mayprovide, for example, for coordination of the other components of thedevice 550, such as control of user interfaces, applications run bydevice 550, and wireless communication by device 550.

Processor 552 may communicate with a user through control interface 558and display interface 556 coupled to a display 554. The display 554 maybe, for example, a TFT (Thin-Film-Transistor Liquid Crystal Display)display or an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display, or otherappropriate display technology. The display interface 556 may compriseappropriate circuitry for driving the display 554 to present graphicaland other information to a user. The control interface 558 may receivecommands from a user and convert them for submission to the processor552. In addition, an external interface 562 may be provide incommunication with processor 552, so as to enable near areacommunication of device 550 with other devices. External interface 562may provide, for example, for wired communication in someimplementations, or for wireless communication in other implementations,and multiple interfaces may also be used.

The memory 564 stores information within the computing device 550. Thememory 564 can be implemented as one or more of a computer-readablemedium or media, a volatile memory unit or units, or a non-volatilememory unit or units. Expansion memory 574 may also be provided andconnected to device 550 through expansion interface 572, which mayinclude, for example, a SIMM (Single In Line Memory Module) cardinterface. Such expansion memory 574 may provide extra storage space fordevice 550, or may also store applications or other information fordevice 550. Specifically, expansion memory 574 may include instructionsto carry out or supplement the processes described above, and mayinclude secure information also. Thus, for example, expansion memory 574may be provide as a security module for device 550, and may beprogrammed with instructions that permit secure use of device 550. Inaddition, secure applications may be provided via the SIMM cards, alongwith additional information, such as placing identifying information onthe SIMM card in a non-hackable manner.

The memory may include, for example, flash memory and/or NVRAM memory,as discussed below. In one implementation, a computer program product istangibly embodied in an information carrier. The computer programproduct contains instructions that, when executed, perform one or moremethods, such as those described above. The information carrier is acomputer- or machine-readable medium, such as the memory 564, expansionmemory 574, or memory on processor 552 that may be received, forexample, over transceiver 568 or external interface 562.

Device 550 may communicate wirelessly through communication interface566, which may include digital signal processing circuitry wherenecessary. Communication interface 566 may provide for communicationsunder various modes or protocols, such as GSM voice calls, SMS, EMS, orMMS messaging, CDMA, TDMA, PDC, WCDMA, CDMA2000, or GPRS, among others.Such communication may occur, for example, through radio-frequencytransceiver 568. In addition, short-range communication may occur, suchas using a Bluetooth, WiFi, or other such transceiver (not shown). Inaddition, GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver module 570 mayprovide additional navigation- and location-related wireless data todevice 550, which may be used as appropriate by applications running ondevice 550.

Device 550 may also communicate audibly using audio codec 560, which mayreceive spoken information from a user and convert it to usable digitalinformation. Audio codec 560 may likewise generate audible sound for auser, such as through a speaker, e.g., in a handset of device 550. Suchsound may include sound from voice telephone calls, may include recordedsound (e.g., voice messages, music files, etc.) and may also includesound generated by applications operating on device 550.

The computing device 550 may be implemented in a number of differentforms, as shown in the figure. For example, it may be implemented as acellular telephone 580. It may also be implemented as part of asmartphone 582, personal digital assistant, or other similar mobiledevice.

Various implementations of the systems and techniques described here canbe realized in digital electronic circuitry, integrated circuitry,specially designed ASICs (application specific integrated circuits),computer hardware, firmware, software, and/or combinations thereof.These various implementations can include implementation in one or morecomputer programs that are executable and/or interpretable on aprogrammable system including at least one programmable processor, whichmay be special or general purpose, coupled to receive data andinstructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a storagesystem, at least one input device, and at least one output device.

These computer programs (also known as programs, software, softwareapplications or code) include machine instructions for a programmableprocessor, and can be implemented in a high-level procedural and/orobject-oriented programming language, and/or in assembly/machinelanguage. As used herein, the terms “machine-readable medium”“computer-readable medium” refers to any computer program product,apparatus and/or device (e.g., magnetic discs, optical disks, memory,Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs)) used to provide machine instructionsand/or data to a programmable processor, including a machine-readablemedium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal.The term “machine-readable signal” refers to any signal used to providemachine instructions and/or data to a programmable processor.

To provide for interaction with a user, the systems and techniquesdescribed here can be implemented on a computer having a display device(e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor)for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointingdevice (e.g., a mouse or a trackball) by which the user can provideinput to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide forinteraction with a user as well; for example, feedback provided to theuser can be any form of sensory feedback (e.g., visual feedback,auditory feedback, or tactile feedback); and input from the user can bereceived in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input.

The systems and techniques described here can be implemented in acomputing system that includes a back end component (e.g., as a dataserver), or that includes a middleware component (e.g., an applicationserver), or that includes a front end component (e.g., a client computerhaving a graphical user interface or a Web browser through which a usercan interact with an implementation of the systems and techniquesdescribed here), or any combination of such back end, middleware, orfront end components. The components of the system can be interconnectedby any form or medium of digital data communication (e.g., acommunication network). Examples of communication networks include alocal area network (“LAN”), a wide area network (“WAN”), peer-to-peernetworks (having ad-hoc or static members), grid computinginfrastructures, and the Internet.

The computing system can include clients and servers. A client andserver are generally remote from each other and typically interactthrough a communication network. The relationship of client and serverarises by virtue of computer programs running on the respectivecomputers and having a client-server relationship to each other.

Although a few implementations have been described in detail above,other modifications are possible. Moreover, other mechanisms forproviding results to parameterless search queries on a mobile computingdevice may be used. In addition, the logic flows depicted in the figuresdo not require the particular order shown, or sequential order, toachieve desirable results. Other steps may be provided, or steps may beeliminated, from the described flows, and other components may be addedto, or removed from, the described systems. Accordingly, otherimplementations are within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: determining, by a computingsystem and using input from one or more sensors, a current context;responsive to determining the current context, identifying, by thecomputing system and based on the current context, one or more previouscontexts; executing, by the computing system, based at least in part onthe current context and the one or more previous contexts, an inferredparameter query to identify one or more results determined to berelevant to a user; and causing, by the computing system, at least someof the one or more results to be audibly provided to the user through aspeaker subsystem.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:identifying, by the computing system, based at least in part on the oneor more previous contexts, one or more result categories determined tolikely be relevant to the user, wherein the one or more results areassociated with the one or more result categories.
 3. The method ofclaim 2, further comprising: receiving, by the computing system, anindication of whether any user considered the one or more resultcategories to be relevant; selecting, by the computing system and basedon the indication of whether any user considered the one or more resultcategories to be relevant, a portion of the one or more resultsassociated with one or more previous contexts, the one or more previouscontexts being determined to have a threshold degree of similarity tothe current context; and identifying, by the computing system, based atleast in part on the portion of the one or more results associated withthe one or more previous contexts, the one or more result categories. 4.The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more previous contexts includeone or more previous contexts of computing devices associated with usersother than the user.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:receiving, by the computing system, user behavior data associated withthe one or more previous contexts; and determining, by the computingsystem and based on the user behavior data, one or more resultcategories likely to be relevant to the user, wherein the one or moreresults are associated with the one or more result categories.
 6. Themethod of claim 5, wherein the user behavior data includes an indicationof whether a previous user found a particular result category from theone or more result categories to be relevant to the current context. 7.The method of claim 1, wherein the current context includes a recentactivity of the user, the method further comprising: responsive todetermining that information associated with at least a portion of therecent activity of the user has been updated since the user last engagedin the portion of the recent activity, identifying, by the computingsystem, the information associated with at least the portion of therecent activity of the user, wherein the one or more results includesthe information associated with at least the portion of the recentactivity of the user.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the computingsystem executes the inferred parameter query based on an input thatindicates a request for the parameterless search, the method furthercomprising: selecting, by the computing system, based at least in parton a manner in which the input was received, the speaker subsystem touse for providing at least some of the one or more results to the user.9. The method of claim 1, wherein the current context is of a mobilecomputing device of the user.
 10. A computing system comprising: memorystoring instruction; one or more processors executing the instructionsto cause one or more of the processors to: determine, using input fromone or more sensors, a current context; responsive to determining thecurrent context, identify, based on the current context, one or moreprevious contexts; execute, based at least in part on the currentcontext and the one or more previous contexts, an inferred parameterquery to identify one or more results determined to be relevant to auser; and cause at least some of the one or more results to be audiblyprovided to the user through a speaker subsystem.
 11. The computingsystem of claim 10, wherein in executing the instructions one or more ofthe processors are further to: identify, based at least in part on theone or more previous contexts, one or more result categories determinedto likely be relevant to the user, wherein the one or more results areassociated with the one or more result categories.
 12. The computingsystem of claim 11, wherein in executing the instructions one or more ofthe processors are further to: receive an indication of whether any userconsidered the one or more result categories to be relevant; select,based on the indication of whether any user considered the one or moreresult categories to be relevant, a portion of the one or more resultsassociated with one or more previous contexts, the one or more previouscontexts being determined to have a threshold degree of similarity tothe current context; and identify, based at least in part on the portionof the one or more results associated with the one or more previouscontexts, the one or more result categories.
 13. The computing system ofclaim 10, wherein the one or more previous contexts include one or moreprevious contexts of computing devices associated with users other thanthe user.
 14. The computing system of claim 10, wherein in executing theinstructions one or more of the processors are further to: receive userbehavior data associated with the one or more previous contexts; anddetermine, based on the user behavior data, one or more resultcategories likely to be relevant to the user, wherein the one or moreresults are associated with the one or more result categories.
 15. Thecomputing system of claim 14, wherein the user behavior data includes anindication of whether a previous user found a particular result categoryfrom the one or more result categories to be relevant to the currentcontext.
 16. The computing system of claim 10, wherein the currentcontext includes a recent activity of the user, and wherein in executingthe instructions one or more of the processors are further to:responsive to determining that information associated with at least aportion of the recent activity of the user has been updated since theuser last engaged in the portion of the recent activity, identify theinformation associated with at least the portion of the recent activityof the user, wherein the one or more results includes the informationassociated with at least the portion of the recent activity of the user.17. The computing system of claim 10, wherein the inferred parameterquery is executed based on an input that indicates a request for theparameterless search, and wherein in executing the instructions one ormore of the processors are further to: select, based at least in part ona manner in which the input was received, the speaker subsystem to usefor providing at least some of the one or more results to the user. 18.The computing system of claim 10, wherein the current context is of amobile computing device of the user.
 19. At least one non-transitorycomputer readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by oneor more processors, cause the one or more processors to: determine,using input from one or more sensors, a current context; responsive todetermining the current context, identify, based on the current context,one or more previous contexts; execute, based at least in part on thecurrent context and the one or more previous contexts, an inferredparameter query to identify one or more results determined to berelevant to a user; and cause at least some of the one or more resultsto be audibly provided to the user through a speaker subsystem.